Christmas

[Kimberbaby]

Well I have dialysis tomorrow morning since my usual Monday treatment is Christmas day. This really sucks, getting up at 4:30 in the freezing cold fills me with such dread! Moments like this I hate life! What's even worse is I have nothing to give these guys who keep me alive and sometimes laughing for Christmas. I'm beyond broke, and have no idea what to get anyone anyway. These people are my only "friends" as sad as that sounds and I am coming empty handed! I just started in March so I haven't been through holidays before. Do you guys get presents for center staff, or other patients? Is it rude not to?

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

I understand how u feel but u can't stress urself over presents for Christmas. Besides that's not really what the holiday is really about, but it's nice. I've never given a Christmas gift, I can barely do for family. But u can always do something simple, like those candles from Walmart to give to ur head nurse. Or 2 candy canes per staff and a box of dollar store cards. It's the thought, not to go broke or stressed out trying. My center give us a popcorn ball, cider and a mug and they might play a holiday movie. But it's the company as a whole not just the staff. We all get the exact thing, just maybe a different color... And they do it for Christmas and Halloween... If u want to give and able to give, fine... BUT please don't stress over that. U bigger things to be concerned about. 😘

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

Whew! Glad I asked! We're not gift givers in our family, but I panicked about what to do in this new and unique situation. I didn't want to walk in like an ass tomorrow with nothing but my charming personality if everyone else had gifties! Thanks Tameka, you're my go-to gal for advice! Hope you don't mind! I'm happy you're doing well and I hope you have a beautiful day Christmas,( and everyday if your new life! So happy for you, love!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

It's no problem love. They understand we deal with alot, most patients don't work. Or can't work and get disability. It's not worth stressing...u either have it or u don't...u be grateful for everyday u walk amongst the living, stress free ☺️ feel free to talk to me about whatever. Enjoy your Christmas, many blessings to u and ur family.

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

You too Tameka! I'm thanking God for having met you. Best to you and yours!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

😘

[Bet117]

Sending you hugs and prayers at this , the holiday season.

I am sure this is not easy, but you are alive and here to share it as difficult as it may be.

Sit down and write a personal note to each of these wonderful people who take time for you and get you through the day.

The most treasured gifts that I have ever and still do receive are the gifts from the heart, as they recognize the differences folks make in the lives of others.

No job lasts forever, people change locations and careers. Candy is gone once eaten and candles burn out, but words from the heart last forever.

It is not the cost of the gift, but the thought behind it.

"Those who give with love are the wisest, everywhere they are the wisest. They ate the Magi"...O Henry

"The Gift of the Magi"

Thinking of you...Kimberbaby.

Bet...

[Kimberbaby in reply to Bet117]

Well my dear, wonderful and smart advice. Thinking back, the best gifts are always the special ones from the heart. Every letter, note, or doodle my mom has ever given me I still have! So, I used what I had, index cards! I wrote a few words to each of my nurses and techs I interact with the most. I told them that if they make me laugh like I do when I'm there, they are the most blessed gifts I could ask for. I thanked them for caring about me. I don't think they wanted anything beyond that! Those few words made them feel good and that indeed is what it's all about! I'm glad I asked for advice, and even happier you responded! Merry Christmas friend! Take care, God bless and be safe!

[Bet117 in reply to Kimberbaby]

So happy! You sound so much better!

Sending you hugs and blessings that the days ahead find more sunny days for you and your family!

Merry Christmas!

Xx

[Kimberbaby in reply to Bet117]

Merry Christmas to you too! Thanks for being you!!!!

[Bet117 in reply to Kimberbaby]

Always!

That's what friends are for!😃🎅🏯

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Just wanted to follow up from yesterday conversation. How was treatment today?

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

I just must love tormenting myself. Treatment was fine, nothing to worry about. I wrote a couple index cards (all I had kicking around) to the techs and nurses I have frequently thanking them for making me laugh and caring about me. I got more smooches and hugs than ever. I left feeling loved, what more could I ask for? You're advice as usual talked me out of an unnecessary freak-out over nothing. Thank you for your help! You're like a big sis to me! Merry Christmas sweetheart! Enjoy that kidney!!!!!!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

Thank u love...I really just felt like I needed to check on u cause u were so worried yesterday. Glad u had a good treatment and glad there was so much love to give. Enjoy ur Christmas, u and the family. Take care and I will check in again, after the holidays. 😘😘

[Sickl]

I made cookies for the techs and nurses. They loved it and it’s not expensive.

[suecash in reply to Sickl]

That’s what I do also. I start early and by the holidays I have plenty for the whole staff. They are like a second family. Best wishes to all

[Kimberbaby]

Thanks to you all for your advice. This dialysis crap is such a weird situation and the relationships are so unique between us and the staff.!

[LoisDuncan]

I only do what I can afford for years I couldn't,this year I had empty Renvela bottles I put nuts in yes my nurses deserve more but they were just as excited as if I spent alot . They are truly great people. I don't think they would accept a expensive gift. It's more about making their day with a smile.

[Kimberbaby in reply to LoisDuncan]

I love it! I was so worried about how I could afford to get the staff stuff they deserve. They are great people and they make me laugh and you know how much we depend on them! At least I know for next year how simple it can be! I gave some thank you notes out to them and they were happy with just that! Thanks for the advice!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

So how are u this new Year?

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

Okay so far except for the heater dying on us! We have space heaters so we're pretty good. How's the new kidney? And phosphorus level? Hope you have been able to bring it up! YooHoo and Dr pepper ate my go to sources of phos and it's actually finally normal! Happy new year and hope you are well!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

I been drinking alot of Dr pepper and Pepsi... Milk, chocolate, peanuts, but it have not been rechecked yet. They are saying my antibodies are high and afraid I could reject, so they are wanting to give me a weekly infusion of anti rejection med via IV, to help treat it. I didn't do anything for New Year, just sat at home watching TV. Christmas I hung out with my family at my sister's house. I went back to work today, part-time. I feel fine. Glad u got some heat, it's so cold/freezing.

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

The fear of rejection must be terrifying! Oh I pray you don't lose the kidney. How long until you are considered clear from rejection? Or is that always a factor? I'm glad you get to eat lots of yummy food you couldn't eat before! Take good care of yourself, young lady and keep me posted!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

Only thing I know at this point is I have to have the IV meds weekly until the numbers are very low or non existent, I don't know how long that will take. So I will just have to pray, stay positive and wait. Will let you know when I hear something else. Thanks for caring.

[Kimberbaby in reply to TamekaS]

And to think I used to hate social media! This support group has been a blessing! Glad to have met you, and I'll be thinking about you!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Kimberbaby]

I know what u mean. Thank u and take care. ❤️

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Happy New Year to u and ur family. 😘❤️😘❤️